China Urges Indonesia to Strengthen Multilateral Cooperation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Amid growing concerns over the erosion of trust in multilateralism, China has urged Indonesia to take on a greater role in defending international law and multilateral cooperation, as confidence in global institutions continues to erode.

Speaking in Jakarta on Thursday, March 26, 2026, Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Wang Qing called for closer collaboration between the two countries to uphold the principles of the United Nations and safeguard the international order.

“We must strengthen our cooperation at the multilateral level and demonstrate how we jointly uphold UN principles and protect international law,” he said during a dialogue with media and think tanks, as quoted by Antara.

Ambassador Wang highlighted the importance of Indonesia and China working together to advance UN-led initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted for 2030.

He also underscored Indonesia’s strategic position -- not only as an ASEAN member, but also as part of the G20, BRICS, and the Global South, recalling its historic role in hosting the 1955 Bandung Conference that produced the Ten Principles of Bandung.

“Indonesia should play a bigger role both internationally and regionally,” Ambassador Wang noted, while reaffirming China’s commitment to the “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence”, which emphasize equality among nations and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry has likewise reiterated Jakarta’s commitment to strengthening multilateralism amid shifting global dynamics, including support for UN reform.

“For Indonesia, an effective, inclusive, and relevant UN remains essential,” Director General for Multilateral Cooperation at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tri Tharyat, said at a UN seminar in Jakarta on March 11. ***